No. 3: Jordan Valley Innovation Center targets April 2007

When it opens in April, Jordan Valley Innovation Center will be known as the Roy D. Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center. The new name, approved by the Missouri State University Board of Governors on Dec. 15, is the latest development for JVIC, which houses MSU’s Center for Applied Science and Engineering and Center for Biological and Life Sciences, and several research partners.

“JVIC will create opportunities for the region’s job market that are new and distinct in Springfield, and serve as a high-tech center and major investment in the economic future of Springfield and southwest Missouri,” said MSU President Michael T. Nietzel in a news release, noting that Blunt’s support of JVIC is essential to its success.

“He shared the vision and has been steadfast in his support to make the vision a reality,” Nietzel added.

That the center will bear Blunt’s name is recognition of the 7th District congressman’s efforts to secure funding for the project. Blunt has secured $46.4 million for various CASE-administered projects at JVIC.

MSU and city officials kicked off Phase I of the JVIC project – the $12.4 million renovation of a seven-story former MFA milling facility at 524 Boonville Ave. – on Nov. 29, 2005.

It’s safe to say, though, that Blunt’s not alone in his recognition of JVIC’s potential. The corporate sector also has gotten behind the project.

Among the companies that will be in the downtown innovation center, which will have laboratories for companies working on cutting-edge science such as nanotechnology, are Brewer Science of Rolla, Crosslink of St. Louis and Nantero of Massachusetts.

In September, St. John’s Health System became a corporate affiliate, and other companies have since joined the mix.

In October, Congress announced $5.9 million for CASE to use in its development of carbon nanotube-based memory hardware, and $2 million for MSU, Carbon Nanotechnologies Inc. and Brewer Science to produce electronics resistant to operational failures.

The research and new products expected to come from JVIC will have both commercial and defense appeal.

In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, the Department of Defense earmarked more than $12 million for the first phase of JVIC’s renovation, and the FY2007 Department of Defense budget includes $2.6 million for JVIC Phase II, which entails retrofitting a three-story structure that sits next to the main building. The smaller building will be used for prototype manufacturing, JVIC Director Ryan Giedd said in October.

That same month, the MSU board of directors approved the creation of JVIC Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)3 public benefit corporation that will serve as a Missouri Innovation Center working in conjunction with JVIC and CASE.

JVIC Inc.’s objective is to serve the school through charity, science and education.

JVIC currently supports 46 full-time staff, graduate students, corporate research scientists and associate faculty – a number that’s likely to grow as the center continues to evolve.

Creating Innovations

Nov. 29, 2005: A ground-breaking ceremony is held for JVIC, with Phase I completion set for April 2007.

Dec. 22, 2005: Congress approves $4.4 million to complete JVIC Phase I and adds $14.37 million in research awards.

July 15, 2006: MSU establishes the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences.

Sept. 15: St. John’s Health System Inc. becomes a CASE corporate affiliate.

Oct. 6: Congressman Blunt wins approval for $2.6 million for JVIC Phase II. An additional $7.9 million is awarded for research.

Oct. 27: MSU Board of Directors approves JVIC Inc., a not-for-profit arm of JVIC and a Missouri Innovation Center.